From One Vulcan to Another

Posted on Saturday, 20 June 2020 - 9:26am by Lieutenant T'Lanna Vali & Lieutenant JG Surev

Mission: Operation: Iktomi
Location: Deck 3 Officer’s Mess

{ON}

Arriving at the mess hall T’Lanna chose herself a drink and something filling before heading over to find a seat. She paused as she saw one of the newest officers, she hadn’t yet had chance to meet him and now seemed as good as any. “Excuse me” She smiled politely, “Do you mind if I join you?”

"You are welcome," Surev said as he moved the PADD he'd been reading closer to his plate. "I am Surev, Chief Engineer, and only recently arrived on board." The work had consumed his time again and it wasn't until he'd reached a point where he needed to do some research that it occurred to him he could just as easily do the work in the Officers' Mess. He sat with over a cup of Vulcan Spice tea and watched as she settled herself.

“I’m T’Lanna Vali, ships Psychologist and Counsellor.” She smiled warmly, tucking her hair behind her ears. “It’s nice to have more Vulcan’s onboard. My father is Vulcan and my mother was Betazoid.”

Surev brushed past the description of lineage; it had no relevance though he found it mildly interesting that she stated that outright. He tucked away the thoughts and questions that came along with the statement for later perusal and turned to the more interesting part. "Diversity has its merits provided we interact with careful hands." He paused to consider and amended his statement with clarification. "I think in Vulcan; it does not always translate well."

T’Lanna nodded. “I understand. I’m not your a-typical half Vulcan, I’m more emotional than emotionless. My father serves in Starfleet, I’m an Admiral’s kid so I have a lot to live up to.”

"Parental expectations translate across cultural boundaries. I accept as given that individual privacy will be violated," Surev said. His dark eyes were alive with intelligence and genuine curiosity. Striving to understand and to gain in knowledge were an integral part of who he was as an individual. "It is a byproduct of the society in which we live. And just as I accept that it will be violated, so I also accept that I must do what I can to restore that sense of privacy. Give and take. My question to you is ... why must you live up to your father the Admiral's expectations? Why not just live up to your own?"

T’Lanna sipped her drink before putting her glass down. “You sound very much like Commander Soral. I guess I want to live up to the expectations of my father and my heritage, even though my father tells me he isn’t disappointed in me.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I want to be me but still be able to live up to Vulcan expectations. Commander Soral has been helping me to understand.”

"Vulcan has no expectations," Surev said though he found it an interesting notion. "Logic and emotional abstinence is the path we have chosen both as a people and as individuals. It is the path I chose for myself and it works because it was my choice. If you were to eliminate all expectations but your own, what path would you choose for your life?"

“My path ... I don’t know” She looked at Surev curiously. “I guess I’m on the path, I wanted to join Starfleet and to find a man to love and a family. I have that and I’m expecting a son so I guess I have what I wanted.”

"Then of what relevance are the expectations of your Father or of Vulcan," Surev asked. "You have found your path and you are firmly set upon it."

“I guess ... I’m feeling the guilt about not doing my part and being a proper daughter of Vulcan.” She shrugged he shoulders.

"Guilt is not something I understand," Surev said. "Are you interested in learning about Surak and his teachings?"

“I think perhaps ... now I might be.” She nodded as she ate some of her food.

He had taken a sip of tea while she was speaking and placed the cup on the table before continuing. "If I can be of assistance, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss his teachings with you."

“I think I’m ready for that now, so yes please.” T’Lanna smiled warmly. “I think Soral would approve of my learning more and I know my father would too.”

He cocked his head slightly to one side as he looked at her. "If this is the path you choose for yourself, then their approval is unnecessary. I should return to the Quantum Slipstream Drive but if you let me know when and where, I will make myself available."

“How’s about the holodeck at end of shift?” T’Lanna smiled. “We can use the Vulcan temple there, it seems more appropriate.”

"As an engineer, my work days do not generally confirm to the ship's schedule; however, I will make sure to be there ... " He paused for the barest blink of an eye and then added, "... assuming that nothing significantly changes between now and then." He finished his tea and rose gracefully. "I will see you later then."

T’Lanna nodded and smiled. “I will look forward to it.”

[Off]

 

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